Ameobi seeks Eagles return

July 5, 2013 : Pius Ayinor

Ameobi

After several months of ignoring Nigeria, Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi, has again pledged his international future to the Super Eagles. In a surprise move from one of the longest serving Magpie players, he informed the managers of the national team that the clause in his contract that prevented him from being at the Africa Nations Cup had now been removed.

A report from the Eagles camp in Kaduna says that Team Secretary, Dayo Achor, briefed Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi on the player’s correspondence with the Nigeria Football Federation.

The secretary told Keshi, “He said the clause has been removed and he will be ready to play for the Super Eagles anytime he is called upon.”

Keshi immediately said that he would talk with the player directly to confirm the development while adding that he would invite him anytime he was needed in the national team.

Keshi said, “He is no doubt a good player and the national team can make do with his experience anytime we call upon him.”

Ameobi’s renewed interest in the national team comes as a surprise as he kept Keshi guessing immediately after getting his first cap for Nigeria in an international friendly against Venezuela played in the United States of America last year. Despite the praises Keshi showered on him following the brief appearance, he kept the country in the dark concerning his commitment as he stopped picking calls from the coach.

This week Keshi had said he had given up on getting the Newcastle striker back to the team while he announced the determination to get Victor Anichebe to return to the team. In his case the Everton striker made it public that he was no longer willing to play for the country.

Also in Kaduna on Thursday, Keshi said he was touched by the support the team was receiving from residents of the city since the team arrived there on Wednesday.

“I am so happy at the support and prayers of residents of the city and I will encourage my employers the NFF to bring some more games down here. They are simply wonderful,” he said.

The home-based Eagles are billed to face the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in the first leg of the qualifying match for Africa Nations Championship. The Ivorians joined them in Kaduna on Thursday for the match that will kick off at 4pm.

Spokesperson for the Senate Unity Forum, Senator Kabir Marafa, saying his colleagues passed a vote of confidence in Dr. Bukola Saraki’s senate leadership in order to spite President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress leadership.